We love Utrecht for its quaint streets, cute cafe nooks, and bustling atmosphere — but sometimes, you really need to escape the city. 

Luckily, there are stacks of scenic hikes and walks in Utrecht. We’re not talking a jaunt over the Matterhorn’s level of hiking — but beautiful stretches over fields, wanders through the forests, or ambling alongside rivers and sloten; that’s what Utrecht does best. 

Of course, it’s not always easy to find the perfect hike that ticks all the boxes of distance, duration, and damn-good views.

That’s why we’ve compiled some of the best hikes and walks in Utrecht to escape the city. 

1. Eendenkooienpad, IJsselstein

Breathe in the fresh air of the Dutch countryside on this gentle, 17-kilometre romp. The Eendenkooienpad (Duck Decoy Trail) is a path that stretches through farms, along the river Hollandse IJssel, and traverses ancient towns. 

READ MORE | Hiking in the Netherlands: 4 myths, busted

Round off your trip with a stop by the beautiful city of IJsselstein and make up for those burned calories with a hot chocolate or homemade ice cream. 

2. Kaapse Bossen, Doorn

Good things come to those who wait — and while Doorn is a little further out of the city centre, it’s well worth the trip.

The Kaapse Bossen is home to some of the most beautiful nature in Utrecht.

Meander through the middle of Utrecht’s Heuvelrug and venture through sloping forest paths.

This nine-kilometre hike will take you through the highlights of the Kaapse Bossen, including an estate gatehouse and a watchtower with an incredible view over the Heuvelrug.

3. De Amerongse Berg, Utrechtse Heuvelrug

Boswachterij De Amerongse Berg in Utrecht is one of the oldest forests in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

This municipality is home to an epic forest of great proportions; wander amongst the ancient oak and birch trees, and take in the wonder that is nature.

READ MORE | The 8 greatest forests in the Netherlands for a nature escape

Utrechtse Heuvelrug was created in the last ice age and, as a result, is home to narrow valleys.

But, destroyed and left barren due to greedy cattle, the forest was replanted with birch, oak, and beech trees to create a beautiful mixed forest. 

4. Scrambling on the Heuvelrug (Scharrelen op de Heuvelrug)

Coniferous trees, pine cones, oaks, and beeches line the landscape along the Heuvelrug, this epic hiking trail in Utrecht. 

You’ll find this trail set amongst the deciduous forest in the village of Lage Vuursche. Perhaps while you’re there, pay a visit to Princess Beatrix, who lives in Drakensteyn Castle nearby.

But maybe swap out those muddy hiking boots for something a bit more glam before you do.

5. Monument route Amelisweerd & Rhijnauwen

The Amelisweerd and Rhijnauwen trail leads you along a mapped-out route of 17 wonderful Dutch monuments spanning across the centuries.

Wander through and wonder at an 18th-century home or check out an old Dutch fort, the largest fortification made along the Dutch Waterline. 

If you want to extend the length of the trail, you can pad out your hike by visiting the various museums along the way.

The Old Amelisweerd Museum combines art and preserved household items from the 18th century and is well worth a visit. 

6. Austerlitz forest walk

Located in the middle of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Austerlitz is the perfect spot for a calming forest hike. 

Along the route, you’ll pass the White House (no, not the American one! ), an 1820’s hunting lodge.

Or, you can climb the Pyramid of Austerlitz, a camp that once hosted over 20,000 French soldiers 200 years ago. 

7. Around Ruigenhoek

The Rondje Ruigenhoek is an eight-kilometre trek that leads you past dozens of group shelters in this polder landscape.

The shelters are built along the New Dutch Waterline, an 85-kilometre stretch of defences and forts in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | A guide to 11 beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

There is also a beautiful park along the trail, the Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, and a fort on an uninhabited island with wonderful trees and monuments. 

8. De Stulp circular walk (Lage Vuursche)

The De Stulp circular walk is again located near the Royal Palace — as well as lots of pannenkoeken restaurants. 

Along this trail, you’ll hike through the Dutch forest and observe the shifting sands.

As lots of cows live in the area, the grass is kept short, but the further you get along the trail, the more the area will emerge into woodland with tall, coniferous trees.

9. Beerschoten walking route

Dogs are welcome along the Beerschoten walking route, so pack your pooch into the boot and get ready to walk a hefty 11-kilometre hike!

The route connects three Dutch nature reserves in Utrecht: Beerschoten, Houdringe, and Panbos.

Wander through the huge meadows and even past the sand dunes along the way, as you’ll really be getting a view of all kinds of Dutch nature. 

10. Around Palace Soestdijk

The name of this trail sort of gives it away! This walk Around Palace Soestdijk will lead you around the 17th-century palace, ideal for some historical views while you walk.

READ MORE | Wadlopen in 2022: your guide to mudflat walking in the Netherlands

Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash. Parts of the hike are paved, and it is generally quite flat (like the rest of the Netherlands if we’re honest), so it makes for a scenic, relatively easy walk. 

Pack those bags, and make sure you’ve got plenty of water and snacks to keep you going on these trails in Utrecht. Now that you’ve seen these beautiful parks and woodlands, why not explore some more hiking trails across the Netherlands? 

Have you been on any of these trails in Utrecht? Tell us in the comments below!

The Dom Tower, the Miffy museum, and the inner city’s sunken canals — there are tons of things to do in Utrecht.

With beautiful old houses, bridges, and canals that fill the city, Utrecht is often regarded as a little Amsterdam (just without as many tourists).

Located in the very centre of the Netherlands, the city is dynamic, historic, and full of life. If you haven’t visited before, Utrecht should definitely be at the top of your to-do list.

There’s no shortage of interesting things to do and see in this historic city — but, of course, as someone who has lived here for years, I’ve made a list anyway.

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1. Enjoy the views of Utrecht at the Dom Tower

Once the religious capital of the Netherlands, this quaint, medieval city radiates around the 13th-century Dom Tower — the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

The impressive 112-metre tower is “the pride of Utrecht”, and it’s a must-see (to be honest, it’s hard not to see it) on your visit to the city.

READ MORE | 11 of the best towers in the Netherlands that you need to visit

It’s also a great thing to do in Utrecht if you’re looking to get an overview of the Netherlands as a whole. I’d recommend going on a clear day. You can actually spot Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague from the observation platform!

You can also grab a bite to eat at some of the bars on Dom Square if the trip up the tower makes you hungry.

2. Find some peace and quiet at St. Martin’s Cathedral, Utrecht

Get ready for the historical, architectural, and religious hotspot of Utrecht. The St. Martins Cathedral, once the largest church in the Netherlands, used to be connected to the Dom Tower.

But ever since a tornado hit in 1674, the tower has been separate from the church, and this unique feature is part of what makes it a popular tourist attraction.

READ MORE | A guide to 6 streets to explore in Utrecht (that you maybe didn’t know about)

In the courtyard of the Gothic cathedral, you’ll find the stunning Pandhof garden — a perfect spot for a cup of coffee or a moment of quiet time.

The Domkerk is literally a stone’s throw from the Dom, so if you pay a visit to the area, I’d suggest you take a peek at both.

3. Travel back in time at DOMunder in Utrecht

Ready for a deep dive (quite literally) into history? Or maybe the Dutch weather got to you, and you need an escape from the rain?

While you’re in Dom Square, you should definitely take a trip DOMunder. And yes, if you haven’t noticed yet, a lot of Utrecht’s history revolves around the Dom.

Here, you can explore some of the Netherlands’ best archaeological treasures via multimedia. You’ll get a torch and a scanner that you can use to bring sound messages to life.

READ MORE | The 10 best hikes in and near Utrecht to bask in Dutch nature

This is the perfect activity if you’re interested in Roman and medieval history or if you just need a rain-proof thing to do in Utrecht.

4. Let your inner musician loose at the Speelklok Museum in Utrecht

Here’s one for music enthusiasts! The Speelklok Museum is located in an old church, the Buurkerk, and is a fun thing to do in Utrecht for travellers of all ages.

READ MORE | Moving to Utrecht: everything you need to know about living in Utrecht in 2024

On display, you’ll see an assortment of self-playing musical instruments, music boxes, pianolas, organs, and musical clocks. The latter is key to explaining the museum’s name: “musical clock”.

Apart from just the museum, restoration workshops are also offered — which are highly regarded worldwide.

5. Navigate the waters at the Oudegracht Canal in Utrecht

What is a trip to the Netherlands without some good ol’ canal action?

The two-level canal system on the Oudegracht is one of the most unique parts of Utrecht, and it’s best explored from the water in a boat or a canoe.

Historically, Utrecht has always been an important trading city, and merchants used the lower level (below street level) of the Oudegracht to unload goods from barges into conveniently located cellars along the canal.

As the commercial aspect of the city faded, the cellars were left empty. In the last hundred years or so, these canal cellars have been up-cycled and converted into cafés, restaurants, and shops galore — giving Utrecht a unique and cool feature you won’t find in every other Dutch city.

During the summertime, it’s super gezellig (cosy) to sit by the canal and sip a cold beer after your obligatory boating adventure.

6. Explore what else the Oudegracht in Utrecht has to offer

The Oudegracht is more than just a canal; the streets along it also happen to be some of the best places to hang out if you’re looking for things to do in Utrecht.

Not only does it connect to Domplein (the square where the Dom and the St. Martin’s Cathedral are located), but it also houses Utrecht’s main shopping area, which is far more charming than any shopping mall.

READ MORE | The neighbourhoods in Utrecht: bringing you the best places to live in Utrecht

(If a mall is your cup of tea, though, walk a little further off the Oudegracht and towards the train station, where you will find Hoog Catherijne, Utrecht’s answer to glossy indoor shopping.)

Now, if all that retail therapy’s made you hungry, you can also grab a cup of coffee or a drink back on the Oudegracht — and maybe take your pick of deep-fried snacks at the food trucks that stand beside the canal too.

Broodje Mario is my favourite for cheap, delicious sandwiches.

7. Shop till you drop at Utrecht’s Vredenburg Market

As any experienced tourist knows, good snacks are key to a good vacation. While you’re in the area of the Oudegracht, you should definitely check out Vredenburg Market, which takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

If you’re into food, this is THE thing to do in Utrecht.

You can find just about anything here — an array of farm-fresh eggs, produce, and fish, as well as freshly baked treats.

READ MORE | Ice-skating rinks in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and beyond

And if you’re looking for Dutch classics (think hella good cheese, gooey warm stroopwafels, and other typically Dutch delicacies), this is where it’s at.

8. Stop and smell the flowers at the Janskerkhof Bloemenmarkt in Utrecht

If you come to the Netherlands for flowers, you can find Utrecht’s bustling flower market right outside the beautiful Janskerk (St. John’s Church).

Even if you’re not looking to buy potted gems, the flower market should not be missed — the colours and plants on display are beautiful, and the vibe is great!

READ MORE | The Dutch and tulips: how did tulips in the Netherlands become a thing?

And while on the topic of cool markets, the largest and oldest fabric market in the Netherlands, Lapjesmarkt, is only a stone’s throw away from Janskerkhof.

So if you’re looking to buy some cool textiles, or if you’re just interested in a truly unique thing to do in Utrecht, this is the place to go.

9. Keep rollin’ at Utrecht’s Railway Museum

As much as I love to complain about the NS, the Dutch railway system is actually pretty darn good. If you want to learn more about the history of trains in the Netherlands, the Railway Museum should be on your list of things to do in Utrecht.

The main hall of the station is adorned in 19th-century style, and the museum features old posters, leaflets, carriages, and locomotives, as well as a mechanical ride.

Plus, if you’re looking for things to do with children in Utrecht, this is one for the books.

At the Spoorweg Museum, you’ll also find a moving memorial to the Jews of Utrecht who were murdered during the Second World War.

10. Get your greenery boost in Wilhelminapark in Utrecht

Got a bit of a sightseeing overdose? Breathe in, and breathe out in Wilhelminapark — one of Utrecht’s many beautiful green spaces. The park was officially opened in 1898 and named after Queen Wilhelmina, who became queen that year.

At the centre of the park is a large pond (or little lake), and the area around the park also features a few cafés, bars, and ice cream shops. It’s the perfect spot for an outing (when the weather is nice).

The park is actually so nice that the surrounding area is considered the bougie district of the city, where houses sell for millions of euros apiece.

11. Dive into Dutch design at Rietveld Schröderhuis

Have you ever dreamt of walking inside a piece of art? Here’s your chance!

The Rietveld Schröderhuis was built as a private home by Gerrit Rietveld (a renowned furniture designer from Utrecht) in 1924 and now stands as an architectural super-attraction in Utrecht.

The house was designed using the concepts of De Stijl, a Dutch artistic movement from the early 1900s, focused on bold primary colours and geometry. It was used as a private living space until 1985 and functions as a museum today.

READ MORE | 12 ‘gezellige’ places to work or study in Utrecht

Originally, the house was situated on the outskirts of Utrecht — which was one of its main selling points. Today, however, a four-lane motorway and viaduct make up the view from the house.

Nevertheless, you can always see tourists flock to the museum, which is an architectural and art historical gem of a thing to do in Utrecht.

12. Bike out to De Veldkeuken in Utrecht

There are a lot of things to do in Utrecht, but the province around the city also has some treasures to explore. Why not bring out your inner Dutchie, and go for a bike ride?

The beautiful forest Amelisweerd is not only a great biking area in Utrecht, but it also hides the poorly kept secret of a restaurant, De Veldkeuken.

Here you can enjoy a pleasant drink or meal made with ingredients grown in the surrounding area. The restaurant is the perfect bike trip destination, and the bread and cakes are to die for.

READ MORE | Utrecht becomes first Dutch city to ban new tobacco stores (and that’s only the first step!)

In the mood for something sweet? Check out the nearby pancake restaurant, nestled by a canal in the forest.

13. Become a Utrecht patriot at the Miffy Museum

The Nijntje Museum (or Miffy in English) is another great thing to do with kids in Utrecht.

The quirky cartoon bunny created by Dick Bruna has become quite the symbol of the city, and no visit to Utrecht is complete without a trip here.

The museum is a touch-everything experience that appeals to young children, who can crawl, climb, and play around the grounds — making for a fun and interactive experience.

But of course, you can still enjoy it as an adult.

My one tip is to make sure to pre-book, as the museum can be particularly busy during weekends and holidays.

14. Blend in with royalty at Kasteel de Haar, Utrecht

Want to travel back in time and add a romantic activity to your list of things to do in Utrecht?

Kasteel de Haar is the grandest and largest castle in the Netherlands, and it’s located just a short hour by train away from the city.

Once the holiday home of the Van Zuylen family, who continue to visit for a month every September, the castle is now open to visitors.

In the 1900s, elaborate parties were once thrown at the iconic location, attracting famous guests such as Coco Chanel, Maria Callas, Gregory Peck, Roger Moore, Yves Saint Laurent, Joan Collins, and Brigitte Bardot.

READ MORE | A guide to 11 breathtaking castles and palaces in the Netherlands

Today the castle serves as a museum, ranking among the top 20 most-visited in the Netherlands.

You can arrange for a guided tour of the castle or drop by for exhibitions, theatre performances, and other events.

15. Embrace the inland beach at Strand Oog In Al

From yoga sessions to afro-beats, you can enjoy more than just a beverage at this city beach. Alright, Strand Oog in Al (or SOIA for the locals) isn’t quite Scheveningen — but it’s a perfect place to go in Utrecht during the summer and a pretty decent beach for a city.

SOIA is perfect for grabbing a cold beer, soaking up the sun once the weather is a little warmer (and storm-free), and enjoying the grilling season.

READ MORE | Summer is here! 8 places to escape the heat in Utrecht

The beach is also kid-friendly, offering a bouncy castle and face-painting — so it’s another fun thing to do with children in Utrecht.

16. Dance the night away in Utrecht at Tivoli Vredenburg

Whether you’re in the mood for something orchestral, jazzy, or a place to go dancing, Tivoli Vrendeburg has it all.

It’s a contemporary music venue in the centre of Utrecht, catering to a wide audience looking for music-related things to do in Utrecht.

The venue frequently welcomes international performers at its five halls — each acoustically designed for specific music genres.

There’s also a restaurant/bar located on the ground floor if you want to grab a quick bite before you hit the dance floor.

What’s more, Tivoli is conveniently located right by the train station, so you can easily hop on a train when you’re ready to move on to your next destination.

17. Go stargazing at the Sonnenborgh observatory in Utrecht

In a country as obsessed with the weather as the Netherlands, it’s only suitable to visit an attraction that lets you make your own weather forecast!

In the 19th century, the observatory in Utrecht was used to gain a better understanding of the composition of the sun and to predict the weather.

Today, the old building has been transformed into a lovely and unique thing to do on your trip to Utrecht.

Climb the stairs to the star cupolas and use the telescopes to explore the starry skies up close.

Then, go into the domes and observe the planets, before you explore the cannon fixtures on the 400-year-old walls of the observatory. Who’s ready for a starry night?

18. Watch the grass grow in Utrecht’s Botanical Garden

Whether it’s a rock garden, a bird den, or tropical greenhouses you’re interested in, the botanical garden in Utrecht is one of the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands, and it has something for everyone.

Dating back to 1639, the gardens were established for medical students at Utrecht University, only three years after the university was founded.

Today, it has been relocated to the Science Park, and it’s both a peaceful and intriguing thing to do in Utrecht.

From March 1 to November 30, the beautiful gardens are open to the public every day.

19. Take an evening stroll to admire Trajectum Lumen in Utrecht

After a day enjoying the many things to do in Utrecht, you may think the fall of dark brings the end to your adventures. Lucky for you, that’s not the case with Utrecht Lumen!

Instead of calling it for the night, you can embark on a scavenger hunt of light artwork throughout the city and unravel the symbolism of particular buildings and locations.

There are also private tours if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty history of what you see.

And in case you still can’t decide whether to visit Utrecht or not, maybe this video will help:

What’s your favourite thing to do in Utrecht? Tell us in the comments below!

Mountains in the Netherlands? Is that a thing? The Netherlands is a flat country with almost one-third of its entire area below sea level. This country boasts of its natural beauty, but are there any mountains in the Netherlands?

As an expat from Austria living in Amsterdam, I thought I’d take on the task to do some research about the peaks of this country known for its unmistakable flatness.

A little hike, anyone?

Ok, so what did we find? The highest mountain on the mainland of the Netherlands is called Vaalserberg and it is (drumroll, please!) 322.7 metres high.

Yes, you read that correctly, the highest of all mountains in the Netherlands is just over three hundred metres in size.

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explainer

In comparison, the Statue of Liberty in New York is about 90 metres high, which means if you stack 3.5 Statues of Liberty you get the Vaalserberg!

Not to take anything away from this landmark, which unites Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands at the so-called three-country-point (Drielandenpunt). It’s worth a mini-hike for sure!

Is there more than one mountain in the Netherlands?

If you think that this was it when it comes to Dutch peaks, then you are wrong.

Next in line, or rather in size, is the Sint Pietersberg in Maastricht with 171 metres. Say whaaat? This Altiplano of marl served as a stone pit to excavate raw materials for the production of cement, etc.

Nevertheless, it’s interesting to stroll up this mountain and have a look at the fortress on top or check out the vast network of underground tunnels in a guided tour.

These tunnels stretch over a length of 80km and served as a hideout spot for the citizens of Maastricht during WWII. Dutch national art treasures were also kept safe here during the war.

A small mountain or just a big hill?

Here comes number three, and it’s getting a bit harder to call these Dutch peaks “mountains”. The Duivelsberg measures 76 metres (it’s smaller than the Statue of Liberty!!) and is located to the east of Nijmegen. Small in size, this hill, however, has a rich history.

A Roman castle (Mergelp castle) was located there in the Middle Ages, and the Duivelsberg was used as a battleground during WWII, but after disputes, still remained Dutch territory.

Strolling around the area and the lush forest, you can also see an expressionist villa, the Huis Wylerberg, a protected building nowadays.

Last but not least (well, least in size, yes), we have the Grebbeberg, which stands at 53 metres tall.

This — let’s call it — hill played an important part in the Dutch defence during WWII but was unable to stop the Germans in 1940 during the Battle of the Grebbeberg (surprise surprise).

READ MORE | The 8 greatest forests in the Netherlands for a nature escape

If you decide to stroll up this hill, you’ll find a military field of honour on top, as well as an information centre next to the cemetery.

Apart from war monuments, there’s a zoo to discover, but you can also just simply admire and enjoy the beautiful views of the landscape. If that’s not a motivation to “climb” this mountain in the province of Utrecht, then I don’t know what is.

Anyways, now get your lazy bones out of the chair and conquer one of the mountains in the Netherlands. If you hurry up you’ll be back before dinner!

Have you ever visited a Dutch mountain? Which one did you go to? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Kleon3/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2017, and was fully updated in July 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Wondering where to live in Utrecht? We set out to find you the best neighbourhoods (and yes, also some ‘meh’  but inexpensive neighbourhoods too).

Congratulations, you’re moving to Utrecht! With its gorgeous townhouses, a flower market along the canal on Saturday and more bicycles than you can handle, Utrecht can feel like you’re living the Dutch dream.

Although the city is much more petite than Amsterdam or Rotterdam, there are still a lot of different neighbourhoods in Utrecht to choose from.

So where to live in Utrecht? DutchReview has all the pros and cons of Utrecht’s neighbourhoods for you.

READ MORE | Where to live as an international in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Neighbourhoods in Utrecht: the city centre

This area basically offers everything people imagine the Netherlands is made of: narrow streets, townhouses, markets, canals, little bars and a lot of history! Emphasis on “a lot”.

The city centre of Utrecht was founded by the Romans, and most people don’t realize that it’s a lot older than Amsterdam, Leiden or Delft.

On a few square kilometres, you can time travel from the Roman era to the defining Middle Ages and onwards to early Jugendstill or questionable 1970s architecture.

No matter how historical the Utrecht centre may be, it is by no means a dead part of town. Utrecht University and Hogeschool Utrecht both take care that a big influx of young and fresh students comes about every year.

So you know what that means, right? A huge number of (coffee) bars, hip restaurants, and quirky shops. The place is buzzing all year round. It also has TivoliVredenburg – a venue which has made Utrecht a regular stopover for upcoming (Indie) artists.

Another big advantage of living here is being close to one of the major transportation hubs in the Netherlands: Utrecht Central Station.

Regular trains will take you to Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam, Zwolle, Arnhem, Amersfoort or Den Bosch within an hour. So for business travellers and corporate expats, Utrecht city centre is also perfect to live in!

Are there any downsides? Well, you can guess that living here does not come cheap (which might also be less of an issue for corporate expats). You have to be careful where to pick your spot as some streets and squares can be very noisy at night.

Notable locations: Oudegracht, TivoliVredenburg, Domtower and church, Centraal Museum, Neude, Ledig Erf, Utrecht central station.

READ MORE | 9 things no one tells you about living in the Netherlands for the first time

Neighbourhoods in Utrecht: Wittevrouwen, Oudwijk, Vogelenbuurt &Tuinwijk/dorp

If the city centre is too busy for you, but you still fancy being within walking or cycling distance of the centre? Move to the posh areas surrounding the city centre on the north-east side: Wittevrouwen, Oudwijk, Vogelenwijk and Tuinwijk or -dorp.

Wittevrouwen, Vogelenwijk and Oudwijk were built before 1900. Oudwijk mostly consists of cute and small arbeidershuisjes, while big townhouses make up the most of Wittevrouwen and Vogelenwijk.

Tuinwijk and –dorp was built later, around the 1930s. It boasts some beautiful spacious houses from those days and the streets are greener.

The neighbourhoods became popular in the 1990s with families and yuppies. That’s still the main crowd there, mixed with students.

Bakfietsmoeders at coffee bars are a pretty common sight. Corporate expats also fit right in these neighbourhoods of Utrecht! But you’ll also find some good delis, bakeries and butchers.

You’ll also be in proximity to the popular Wilhelminapark in English landscape style and the more modern and spacious Griftpark.

Notable locations: shops and cafes at the Nachtegaalstraat, Burgermeester Reigerstraat and Biltstraat, Wilhelminapark, Griftpark, Rietveldhuis, Badhu and Theater De Paardenkathedraal.

Neighbourhoods of Utrecht: Lombok & Oog in Al

On the other side of the central station, you’ll find the multicultural area of Lombok. This neighbourhood of Utrecht, mostly made up of small houses and apartments made for the working class, is popular now, but it wasn’t always that way.

In the ’70s, workers from Turkey and Morocco moved there and were housed cheaply in not the best conditions. Shopkeepers left, and the neighbourhood declined. Renovations in the ’90s and the proximity to the train station caused gentrification of the area.

You’ll find an interesting mix here of people with a Moroccan or Turkish background, yuppies, students and real Utrecht families who have been living here for generations.

The Kanaalstraat is the place to be in Utrecht to shop for fresh and cheap fruit and vegetables. It also has some good Mediterranean bakeries and fish shops.

You’ll also find one of the best (Asian) restaurants of Utrecht in the Kanaalstraat: Jasmijn & ik. Be sure to book ahead if you feel like dining here on the weekend.

A bit further, the Leidse Rijn, Molen de Ster and the sluizen really is just stunning. Take a stroll along the water or light up your BBQ here, as this place turns into a busy hotspot during summertime.

Across the sluizen is a beautiful area with the quirky name ‘Oog in Al’. This posh place consists of lovely green streets with houses built in the 1930s. It has always been a popular place for families as there are lots of areas for children to play in. However, there aren’t a lot of shops and restaurants and it is quite expensive to find a place here. But with its proximity to the Central Station, it might just be the neighbourhood in Utrecht where you would want to live as an international businessman/woman.

Notable locations: Molen de Ster, Jasmijn & ik, park Oog in Al, cheap shops at the Kanaalstraat, café Lombok, sluizen.

Neighbourhoods in Utrecht: Utrecht Zuid

The area south of the city centre is made up of the neighbourhoods Hoograven, Tolsteeg and Rivierenwijk.

The city centre sprawls out to the northern part of these neighbourhoods and more hotspots are opening up here.

From vegan hipster places like Broei to the most popular restaurant of Utrecht, based up in an old water tower.

Who lives here is basically everyone that makes up Utrecht: migrants, yuppies, students, families and the traditional real ‘Utrechters’.

Housing is diverse and available in a lot of price ranges. You can rent a cheap studio here, but you can also buy a big and expensive family home with a garden.

The main areas, Hoograven and Rivierenwijk, are divided by a canal and the pretty Jutfaseweg.

Notable locations: WT Urban Kitchen, restaurants along Oosterkade and Westerkade, Klein Berlijn, Rotsoord.

Neighbourhoods in Utrecht: Leidsche Rijn

If all you have ever dreamt of is the ultimate suburban life in one of the more sleepy neighbourhoods of Utrecht, then move to Leidsche Rijn! This area was built just about ten years ago, across the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal and the A2.

It has new, affordable and big houses, loads of schools, playgrounds and big supermarkets. Right in the middle of Leidsche Rijn is Maxima Park – the ideal place to go jogging, skating, cycling, walking your dog or playing with your kids.

Ok, you get it: mostly families live here because houses are cheaper and more spacious than in the old city. 

Another big advantage is that you are close to the A2 highway and you can drive to places like Amsterdam or Gouda within half an hour. It also has two train stations on the line to Utrecht, Gouda and Woerden.

Notable locations: Maxima Park, Cinemec, Castellum Hoge Woerd

Neighbourhoods in Utrecht: Kanaleneiland

So where to live in Utrecht when you don’t have money, and you don’t really care about old stuff? Go for Kanaleneiland.

It’s mostly full of apartment blocks from the ’60s and ’70s here, which aren’t the prettiest, to be honest.

But the upside is that there are a lot of cheaper fruit and veggie shops here. Big pluses are the green areas along the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal and Park Transwijk. There’s also the Prince Claus Bridge, designed by the same person who designed the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam!

But the biggest pro? Kanaleneiland still is within 15 minutes of cycling to the city centre and train station. So you are still close to all the hotspots in town, without spending a fortune on your house.

Notable locations: Park Transwijk, de Kantien, Ikea.

So that’s it for now with this guide for the neighbourhoods of Utrecht. We hope you find that dream home of yours in the gorgeous little city. Good luck searching!

Know any other places when it comes to nice neighbourhoods in Utrecht? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in August 2017 and was fully updated in August 2022 for your reading pleasure.

With deep canals, narrow streets, and steep bridges, Utrecht doesn’t lack when it comes to traditional Dutch architecture! Some even call it “the mini Amsterdam”.

Places to explore in Utrecht

If you haven’t been to Utrecht recently, you should definitely go!

Don’t be surprised if you hop off the train and ask yourself if you’ve gotten off at the right stop — as there are so many different places to explore in Utrecht!

Utrecht has changed immensely in the last few years and is continually changing every day. The station and its surroundings have gone from looking like something dull from the 1970s to today’s modern city scenery!

The shopping mall near the station, Hoog Catharijne, is full of fabulous and chic stores. It’s a sea of shopping opportunities with upscale modern surroundings.

There are hospitality joints popping up all over the place too. You are sure to be surprised by this flashy part of the city.

This is all lovely, but what if you feel like exploring the city a bit away from the centre? If you want to discover Utrecht like a local, here are some other streets in Utrecht to discover.

1. Rotsoord

Rotsoord is a spot not to be missed when visiting Utrecht. It’s filled with a long stretch of hospitality delights, all located along a beautiful canal.

On the Rotsoord, you can find the gorgeous restaurant, LE:EN (which just so happens to be my favourite one ).

Here, you can enjoy Asian cuisine while being surrounded by an old warehouse turned into a colourful, cheerful and cool setting.

The terrace is lovely and perfect for enjoying a nice cold gin and tonic combined with elderflowers in the sun!

If you are looking for something earlier in the day, De Zagerij serves fresh coffee and a good eggs Florentine!

Or, if you’re up for some fresh beer, there are more than a few places to try out within close proximity to each other. A little terrace hopping never hurt anybody!

Prefer trying more high-end cuisine? Then Rotsoord can cater for you too! WT Urban Kitchen was a water tower, which has now been turned into a restaurant.

There, you can eat up high in style, enjoying the best views over Utrecht. But, if you have a fear of heights, then Het Ketelhuis is another fantastic option.

It’s located in an incredible old warehouse turned into a stylish restaurant. Rotsoord is fantastic if you’re looking for indulging while surrounded by a cool and hip environment.

2. Twijnstraat

The Twijnstraat is one of my favourite streets to visit. I love popping into all the little shops and getting inspired by all of their different products.

Ekoplaza has all sorts of fresh and organic things. I love the spelt pasta, freshly made spelt brownies and all the different types of sprouts!

The cheese store is brilliant too, but just be careful when you walk in, the smell can be quite overwhelming for some. The best part is the samples of cheese hidden around the store, try before you buy!

For a real Dutch bar experience, visit Cafe Lijn 4 and enjoy the wide selection of beers. I love sitting at the table right by the window with the house cat and watching people stroll by!

There are also plenty of places to shop, including many cool second-hand stores. My favourite is the one that sells second-hand clothing for children.

It’s so much fun to go through all the piles and find yourself a bargain (though, make sure you can fit in the small sizes ).

3. Voorstraat

The Voorstraat is very close to the station, but I wanted to mention it anyway, so you don’t miss it!

This street is bustling and filled with many delights to explore. If you feel like some Aussie love, then head to De Rode Vosch. They serve a spectacular Tim Tam cheesecake and other Aussie specialities.

If you prefer something more hearty, then get yourself a hot dog at Dogma Hotdogs. They even have vegetarian and vegan options- hooray!

This street has a Ramen and Vietnamese restaurant too, which are both sure to blow you away. This street definitely makes me feel like I am in the heart of the city.

4. Amsterdamsestraatweg

Amsterdamsestraatweg is on the other side of Utrecht from where I live, but from what I hear, it is up and coming.

Lots of new hot spots to explore. The street is going through a change. The transition from going a bit average to hip is worth a look.

There is a beer speciality store which is nice to visit. So many choices of beer- yes, please! I won’t mention much more because I am not too familiar with this street, but hope you enjoy exploring it!

5. Europalaan

Europalaan is maybe strange to mention for some, but actually, it’s pretty awesome! There are lots of cool things to visit, and they are found in a unique way!

Restaurant De Klub is hidden in the back in what looks like a dingy old school and is a gem. Right next to it is a brewery which is an experience in itself.

The staff there are really knowledgeable about their products. They will give you a detailed description and tasting before you have to make your big decision!

The stadstuin is also a nice spot for a hangout. They often have some groovy events happening which are worth a look. I went to a vintage market there, and loved it.

6. Kanaalstraat

Kanaalstraat is my nearby my old neighbourhood and is lovely. It is full of tasty smells and a nice amount of hustle and bustle.

If you are searching for brunch try the Kebap Factory. They serve a splendid array of food which is sure to keep you happy till dinner time!

If you need fresh fruit and vegetables, then visit Kanaalstraat. They have a good selection and try the bakeries too- yum!

So there you are! A Guide to 6 places to explore in Utrecht (that you maybe didn’t know about if you are from out of town). Happy days exploring this beautiful city!

Have you ever visited Utrecht? How was it? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in July 2018 and was fully updated in July 2022 for your reading pleasure.

To all those who thought the Netherlands didn’t have a summer worth speaking of, think again. With temperatures climbing to 30 degrees celsius this summer, it’s time to start thinking of the best summer escapes.

Many of us are looking to spend the summer in the Netherlands. Here are the eight best places to chill out on a hot day in the lovely city of Utrecht, from canals to lakes.

Kromme Rijn river

If you want to escape the city’s busyness (and heat), the Kromme Rijn river is your go-to. It goes from Wijk bij Duurstede to the Oude Gracht, so there are plenty of places to swim and chill along the way.

Whether lounging in the grass alongside it or swimming in it, the Kromme Rijn is the closest nature escape you can get in Utrecht.

Although the water quality is regularly checked, for doubters, there’s a swimming pool Zwembad de Kromme Rijn nearby.

You can also rent a canoe (or SUP) in town and canoe its length!

De Bemuurde Weerd

De Bemuurde Weerd offers some first-class access to Utrecht’s canals. Grab some ice cream from Il Mulino first and make yourself comfortable by the water. From first-hand experience, I can tell you some of the best people-watching occurs from these spots!

Maarseveenseplassen

While pronouncing this one might be a bit of a challenge, it’s definitely among the top best places to chill in Utrecht. It’s a half-hour cycle outside of Utrecht, but worth it. The Maarseveense’ lakes’ (artificial like most bodies of water in the Netherlands) have spaces for swimming, fishing, biking, hiking or just relaxing.

There’s a sand beach that you have to pay a small entry for, or otherwise, hang out in the grass on the other side for free. It’s a must-do for anyone living in (or visiting) Utrecht!

De Munt

The Munt is another place you can chill without even leaving the city. While the Munt building in Lombok isn’t very interesting, the surrounding canals and grass embarkments make for great spots to sit. Definitely the best place to barbeque or tan in the summer. While some people swim here, the water quality isn’t always great, so it’s better to check first.

Haarijnsestrand

There’s no more need to go to Scheveningen or other Dutch beaches in the summer. Utrecht boasts its very own sand beach and dunes at the Harijnse beach! While I have to admit I’ve never been here myself, I have heard great things about it.

The beach has its own ‘Key West Beachhouse’, an authentic restaurant and lounge where you can get everything from cocktails to a hearty dinner.

Wilhemina park

Utrecht has a lot of different parks, all of which are great to cool down in during the summer. Call it personal bias, but Wilhemina park is my favourite. (If you don’t believe me, you can also try out Utrecht’s other parks: Griftpark, Julianapark, Zocherpark, Maximapark, or Lepelenburg).

There’s a pond complete with a fountain, obnoxious (but adorable) ducks, a playground (if you have kids, or a kid inside), and a lovely restaurant.

More importantly, there’s plenty of space to spread a blanket and have a nice picnic or kick a ball around. For additional summer cooling, get some ice cream from Vorst nearby!

Roost cafe

Cafe Roost is the easiest summer escape in the city. It’s right by the Singel and only a five-minute bike ride from the central train station! You can enjoy an ice-cold drink in this pop-up cafe, or bring your drinks and plop down on the grass in front. It gets very busy though, so make sure you get here early!

Amelisweerd and Rijnauwen

Anytime it’s hot in Utrecht, Amelisweerd is the best escape. Including both forest and fields, Amelisweerd is the perfect place to cycle, walk or sit. For the sightseers, there’s also Fort bij Rijnauwen, a fortress that used to be part of Utrecht’s defence line in the 19th century. Hungry after all that walking? Head on to restaurant Vroeg or Theehuis Rijnauwen nearby for a bite or a drink!

Do you have more suggestions for places to chill on a hot day in Utrecht? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2020, and was fully updated in June 2022 for your reading pleasure.

The primarily car-free lifestyle in the Netherlands is, of course, mostly to do with the Dutch love for bikes.

The nation is home to more bikes than people and boasts one of the world’s most impressive bicycle path networks that spans no less than 35,000 kilometres across the whole country.

This stellar reputation is demonstrated most impressively in Utrecht. This city, a mere 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, is consistently reducing roadways, is home to the world’s largest bike parking lot and its latest city designs include a completely car-free neighbourhood.

Prioritising people over cars

Merwede: the car-free neighbourhood

Utrecht recently unveiled its latest plans for a completely car-free neighbourhood, Merwede. The Merwede neighbourhood will be home to 12,000 residents. All important facilities, including Utrecht Central Station, will be within walking or cycling distance.

The Merwede canal zone was originally a business park but will be transformed over the next couple of years into a lively, sustainable area of the city. The goal of the area is to be a place where people can relax, work, and live in a way that’s environmentally friendly and also healthy. For that reason, it will be car-free.

Circular economy

Another crucial aspect of the new neighbourhood is the idea that it will be a circular economy. That means creating as little waste as possible and using as few new resources as possible. Merwede will become home to De Clique, a circular startup that will try to reuse waste from the hospitality and business sectors.

Community building

The city district looks set to be full of exciting activities that will bring the community together. There will be a skatepark, lots of nice restaurants and cafes, and a climbing hall: and all this before people even move into the neighbourhood, so it’s bound to be absolutely bustling once these plans become reality.

We’re so looking forward to seeing this car-free neighbourhood become reality! When Dutchies bike this much, it seems the most natural of progressions to transition towards a car-free country.

Controversies over prices of apartments

Despite being a forward-thinking project, the pricing of apartments, released earlier this week, has caused its fair share of controversy.

Prices for 167 homes, out of the 600 homes planned to be developed, all exceed 500,000 euros, some of them even approaching one million euros.

Nevertheless, the municipality defends this, by saying that a substantial part of the apartments will be dedicated to social housing, and will have a cheaper price. As newer apartments will be placed for sale, we’ll get a better idea over the exact pricing on the lower end in this futuristic neighbourhood.

But what do you think? Would you give up your car? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature image: Marco Broekman/Supplied. 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2020 and was fully updated in December 2020 for your reading pleasure.

“I’m moving to Youtrekt!” I shared with excitement, “Youtrekt, Netherlands!”. And so it was, that my Australian drawl butchered the name of my future home of Utrecht, my lazy tongue running the syllables into one, the harsh intonations simplifying it to some kind of Russian Star Trek planet.

I even led my Australian family astray in my pronunciation; if ever lost or kidnapped I would not be found, as officials would be quite uncertain as to where the imaginary land of “Youtrekt” lay. Utrecht City, however, would likely be easier for them to find.

When I arrived here, I was quickly put straight. Or, attempted to be put straight. Politely corrected. Told to say it right. At times, laughed at. It’s not as if I hadn’t tried to learn Dutch prior to arriving – I had over 80 basic phrases down. They weren’t perfect, but I had spent more than a few hours hoarsening the back of my throat in an effort to learn the guttural rolls of the Dutch language.

Because Utrecht is not pronounced Youtrekt, as an Australian would be intended to pronounce it, to write my best phonetic impression would result in some tangled creation of vowels and consonants that looks something like: ‘ooghc-treyh-chkt’. Ew.  

The problem is, well, everything. The title of the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands is just a tangle of letters that should never follow each other. And here’s a clue: if you, as a visitor or expat THINK you are saying it correctly – you’re probably not.

Utrecht City itself

It’s not Utrecht’s fault. Contrary to the name pronunciation, Utrecht is, well, delightful. It’s a fairy-tale village with beautiful canals bordered by quaint terraces along with the convenience of all of the giant capitalist corporations that make the world go round. The name Utrecht does little to convey the namesake’s beauty.

Arriving here with the flurry of international students one September, I quickly fell in love with the hustle and bustle of Utrecht Central Station. I learnt quickly of the value of OV chipcards, and the inherent danger of stepping onto a bike path that is cleverly disguised to a non-local as a red footpath. I repeated the phrase ‘Sorry, English?’ so many times now that I’ve perfected it into a beautiful, exquisitely executed sing-song. And after many disappointing taco nights, I’ve finally distinguished between slagroom (whipped cream) and zure room (sour cream).

In short, I’ve become much more educated, cultured, as much of a Dutchie as I could ever hope to be. The perfect professor of pronunciation.

Utrecht City: calling it like it is

If I taught a fellow foreigner how to say Utrecht now, I would ask them to picture hacking up a loogie in the back of their throat, like when you have a cold and get rid of phlegm in the shower. I would request they put on their worst Transylvanian accent, preferably learned from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But first, I would, of course, make them do multiple vocal warm-ups, some facial stretches, and sign a waiver to compensate for the exercise their throats were about the endure. Safety first, after all.

I would teach them how to pout their lips like they’re back in high school preparing for their first sloppy kiss, lips in the shape of a platypus’ beak simply in order to make the ‘OOH’ sound, then ripping their lips back wide for ‘treyh’, like a bad French accent with a guttural roll, the hardest Dutch sound to master, and then spit. Wait, no, just pretend that part, before rounding it off with a ‘t’ as delicate as a ballerina.

And then, I would advise they go ask a native Dutch speaker because after eight months of this being my home, I still have no idea. So, please don’t ask me to pronounce Groningen.

What’s the hardest Dutch city you find to pronounce? Share it in the comments below!

Feature Image: Tambako The Jaguar/Flickr

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October 2019 and was fully updated in December 2020 for your reading pleasure.

Turns out coronavirus is a real party-pooper — judging by the remnants of drug use in sewers, at least. Water research institute KWR says that the use of cocaine and ecstasy in Amsterdam declined spectacularly since the lockdown. 

We’re speculating that there could be a direct correlation between drug use and the number of British stag parties in the Dutch capital. Compared to the year prior, drug use in Amsterdam halved. Cocaine use also fell by a quarter. A global pandemic wasn’t enough to stop partiers in Utrecht and Eindhoven, however. Drug use in these areas remained largely unchanged, reports de Volkskrant.

The annual KWR study measures an indication of the drug use of 1.5 million people in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and smaller municipalities in Eindhoven. This year, the study coincidentally took place in the first week of lockdown. “This created the unique situation where we could measure the drug use of the population in the absence of an active nightlife and of tourists,” explains KWR researcher Thomas ter Laak.

Who stopped the party?

Coronavirus stopped the party! Well, the coronavirus lockdown stopped tourists coming to Amsterdam, says drug researcher Laura Smit-Rigter of the Trimbos Institute. ‘But the closure of clubs and cafes where many Dutch people come is also a cause. People hardly went out,” she explains.

However, Smit-Rigter believes that the lack of use may diminish soon as people begin to organize parties in smaller settings. This could also be why the use of coke and ecstasy in Utrecht remained stable during the lockdown.

Restaurants and bars across the Netherlands are rushing to get ready for June 1, when they can reopen — while complying with social distancing measures. While the clock is ticking, some Dutch municipalities are making it a little bit easier.  

Eating a lekker meal on a sidewalk, square, road, or parking space will become a possibility — nee, a norm — as municipalities grant restaurants and bars more space to, well, create more space.

When catering facilities reopen on Monday, they need to be able to keep customers and staff one and a half metres away from each other to comply with social distancing rules. Of course, in the Netherlands space is scarce, so that’s not an easy directive.

Utrecht underway

Utrecht has been preparing for the changes for weeks, with a test setup in Neude considered ready to go. The municipality has strict conditions, such as only allowing restaurants and bars who previously has a terrace to expand.

Additionally, establishments can’t take advantage of the rules to have more seats than before — rather, the seating areas can only be expanded to be as close as possible to the original number of seats, while still taking into account social distancing rules.

Zo kan dat dus! #Neude pic.twitter.com/EAd70flk8F

— Maarten Koning (@MaartenKoning) May 12, 2020

Amsterdam has a plan

But, the latest announcements from some Randstad cities will ease the pain. In Amsterdam, mayor Femke Halsema explains sidewalks, squares and parking spaces can host restaurant facilities for a limited period of time.

“We have said that joint initiatives by entrepreneurs are given priority, and we hope that this will reduce mutual competition,” says Halsema.

She’s urging Amsterdammers to be responsible with distance, but admits she’s looking forward to enjoying a glass of wine on a terrace.

Rotterdam gives a damn

In the port city of Rotterdam, De Witte de Withstraat will temporarily say doei to cars and welkom to terraces. Nearby restaurants will take over the sidewalks, while pedestrians will walk on the now car-free road. 

It’s actually a plan that has been considered for years — but coronavirus has made it necessary for the small businesses to survive.

But it’s not just De Witte de Withstraat in Rotterdam. The municipality has also announced that Schouwburgplein, Boulevard Nesselande, Middellandplein and Binnenrotte will all become new temporary terrace squares.

Is your city also making space for restaurants and bars? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Kaboompics.com/Pexels